The climb continues in Coral Gables.

Following another dominant Saturday night at Hard Rock Stadium, the undefeated Miami Hurricanes have jumped two spots from No. 6 to No. 4 in the latest AP Top 25 Poll.

Miami’s rise comes after dismantling Central Michigan 52-3, moving Mario Cristobal and the ‘Canes to a perfect 4-0 through the opening month of the 2026 season. The Hurricanes also benefited from chaos around the country, including No. 4 Ole Miss falling 52-28 at Florida.

But regardless of what happened elsewhere, Miami handled its own business.

Another Statement At Hard Rock

Central Michigan opened Saturday night with a field goal.

They wouldn’t score again.

After a slow opening possession, Miami’s offense exploded, scoring on six consecutive drives and carrying a 35-3 advantage into halftime.

Darian Mensah continued his incredible start in orange and green, completing 23-of-27 passes for 338 yards and three touchdowns, while adding another score on the ground.

And once again, Malachi Toney was right beside him.

The sophomore phenom hauled in six receptions for 120 yards and a touchdown, recording his third 100-yard receiving performance through Miami’s opening four games.

Defensively, the ‘Canes were just as dominant.

Central Michigan entered the night averaging over 200 rushing yards per game. Miami held the Chippewas to just 21 yards on the ground and 158 total yards.

That’s domination on both sides of the football.

Depth Being Tested

What made Saturday’s performance even more impressive was who Miami didn’t have available.

The Hurricanes entered the matchup battling several injuries, forcing younger players into significantly larger roles.

Freshman Javian Mallory received his first collegiate start with Mark Fletcher Jr. and CharMar Brown unavailable, and the 561 product immediately answered the call with Miami’s opening touchdown.

With Joshua Moore also out for the season, Miami spread the football around. Eleven different Hurricanes caught a pass, as Cooper Barkate, Daylyn Upshaw, Vandrevius Jacobs and others continued to prove just how deep this offense can be.

Miami hasn’t escaped the injury bug, but its depth has kept the machine moving.

No. 4 In America

Four games. Four wins.

Miami opened the season by traveling across the country and dismantling Stanford. The ‘Canes followed that with a historic 77-point home opener against FAMU, survived an injury-filled road battle against Wake Forest and then completely overwhelmed Central Michigan.

Through four weeks, Miami has outscored its opponents 207-36.

Now, the Hurricanes are No. 4 in America.

September is over, and the easy portion of Miami’s schedule is quickly disappearing. ACC play will only get tougher from here, beginning with another major test against Clemson.

But Miami has done nearly everything asked of it so far.

Mensah looks like a legitimate Heisman contender. Toney continues developing into one of the most explosive players in college football. The defense is suffocating opposing rushing attacks, and Miami’s depth is answering the call despite a growing injury list.

The preseason expectations were massive.

Four weeks later, Miami is beginning to look capable of living up to them.